RACV Solar makes another acquisition in booming Victoria rooftop market

RACV Solar has made another acquisition in the booming Victorian rooftop PV market, buying up 100 per cent of Great Ocean Solar and Electrical, a solar and battery installation business based on the state’s Bellarine Peninsula, south-west of Melbourne.

Great Ocean Solar, which is head-quartered in Ocean Grove, was already the local delivery partner for a number of RACV Solar’s key projects, including rooftop solar installations on Surf Coast Shire Council buildings.

The company has also been installing free solar and battery systems on community buildings throughout the region as part of RACV’s $1 million Solar in the Regions initiative.

The acquisition – for an undisclosed sum – is the second for RACV Solar, since its December 2019 purchase of one of Victoria’s biggest and most well respected solar retailers, Gippsland Solar.

RACV Solar CEO Andy McCarthy – who was previously the founder and CEO of Gippsland Solar – said adding Great Ocean Solar as a “permanent member” of the family would increase the company’s footprint in the region.

In particular, it would expand its solar, battery storage, electric vehicle charging and smart energy services to the Greater Geelong, Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula.

“Great Ocean Solar and Electrical has grown rapidly over the past three years as a direct result of the dedication and experience of its founders and owners Nikki Hinge and Reece Crabtree,” McCarthy said.

“Their high quality solutions, industry expertise and commitment to outstanding customer service made them the perfect fit to join RACV Solar, and we look forward to welcoming Nikki, Reece and their 12 employees into the team.

“This acquisition will provide positive benefits, not only to both our companies, but also to the region through local jobs and greater spend with local suppliers,” he said.